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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Dr Challenors High or Becky High

6 replies

Redcart21 · 08/02/2025 21:38

Posting here for more traffic... DD will be doing the 11+ this year, and we are in catchment for both schools and likely to get into either if she passes. We have been to see both, and both seem to have their positives. Initially I thought it doesnt matter which, but I keep hearing other parents having strong preferences for no good reason really. One parent said they would prefer a private school over Becky High, but would be ok with Challenors. Am I missing something?
DD is very bright, and predicted to pass, according to her tutor and form teacher. Very sporty and currently plays hockey, netball, cross country and dance. She is confident and sociable, and always had lots of friends. DD also likes both schools, but prefers Challenors as it "looks prettier" which I dont think we should use as a deciding factor. Anyone have any current insights please?

OP posts:
cheapskatemum · 08/02/2025 21:42

She has a point. Beaconsfield High School was ugly when I was a pupil there in the 70s and I doubt it's improved with age. Are the portacabins still there round the back, near the school pond?

MountainBiker · 08/02/2025 21:45

I wouldn't say Challenors is pretty either! (And may also still have the 1990's portacabins?). How will she get to each school? I'd be likely to choose the one with the easiest commute

Redcart21 · 11/02/2025 12:44

Challenors has the new building, which is what DD is referring to, and it does make the school feel more modern overall. There is a school bus to either one within walking distance, and similar commuting times.

It may be a case of eeny, meeny, minnie mo....

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thing47 · 11/02/2025 15:32

Yes I think it probably is between those 2 schools. DCHS may not be the best sixth form if your DD's strengths lie in the sciences, but that's a long way off and you can always switch schools at that stage if that is her preferred career path.

Fretfulmum · 12/02/2025 10:30

If you want sports, then I think DCHS has better sporting provision than BHS

Redcart21 · 12/02/2025 14:13

@Fretfulmum thats interesting, as I thought BHS excelled at sports across the region, but may be there's not much in it across the range of sports?

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